Yes, misleading online advertising is explicitly prohibited under Saudi law. Article 11 of the E-Commerce Law states that electronic advertisements must not include any false statements, misrepresentations, or deceptive claims — whether direct or indirect — that could mislead consumers. This covers exaggerated product claims, fake discounts, and deceptive imagery.
Importantly, Article 10 establishes that electronic advertisements are considered part of the contract itself. This means that if a seller advertises a product with specific features or a certain price and you purchase based on that advertisement, the seller is legally bound by what was advertised. If the product delivered does not match the advertisement, you have grounds to seek a remedy.
Under Article 12, if a seller is found to have violated the advertising provisions, they may face additional liability beyond standard penalties. Penalties under Article 18 can include warnings, fines, or even having their online store blocked (Article 17). If you encounter a misleading Saudi online advertisement, you can report it directly to the Ministry of Commerce, which oversees e-commerce enforcement under Article 16.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Saudi Arabia.